Staunton Harold Church was built in 1653 on the instructions of the royalist Sir Robert Shirley, 4th Baronet as a defiant political statement against the Commonwealth and in defence of the divine right of kings. He did not live to see its completion as he was imprisoned by Cromwell in the Tower of London where he died in 1656. After the restoration of the monarchy the church was completed in 1665. The exterior is a fine example of the Gothic Revival style. The interior furnishings are Jacobean with oak box pews and wood panelling. We will have a guided tour and talk which last approximately one hour, including time for questions at the end.We then make our way to Calke Abbey, free time until 1.00pm, view house, eat, shop or wander around grounds (note: there may be waiting times for the house on busy days).

Calke Abbey – the un-stately home and country estate, a place where time stood still. 600 acres of historic parkland with ancient oaks including 1,200 year old ‘Old Man of Calke’ and a Baroque-style mansion with peeling paintwork and abandoned rooms portraying the dramatic decline of a country house estate. Learn about a family who amassed a vast collection of hidden treasures, the Harpur Crewe family. The natural history collection is the largest in the National Trust’s care.
We will have a private tour of the garden at 1.00pm, home to an orangery, glasshouses and gardener’s bothy.

Eating and Shopping: Restaurant and café, Gift shop, bookshop and plant sales in the Stableyard.
Meet: Staunton Harold Church: Staunton Harold Estate, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 10.00am.
Sat Nav: LE65 1RW (also LE65 1RU) (nearest toilets 500 yards (not NT).
Price: Members: £10.00. Non-members £12.00.
Note Non-members of the National Trust will have to pay normal admission charges upon entry to the estate (£7 to grounds and parkland and £11 for timed admission to house), in addition to the above charges,
Access: See here to view the Calke Abbey Access statement
Organiser: Ruth Williams